Bhubaneswar: The evaluation of answer scripts of annual High School Certificate (HSC) Examinations commenced today at 61 centres across the State amid the scare of Coronavirus outbreak which has so far claimed more than 7000 lives across the globe.
As many as 16,000 evaluators have been engaged for checking of the answer scripts of 5.61 lakh students who appeared the matric examinations this year.
The board of secondary education (BSE) has put in place special arrangements at the evaluation centres to prevent any infection of the novel-Coronavirus.
According to sources, the BSE has decided to conduct the evaluation in phase-wise and subject-wise in order to avoid mass gatherings of teachers. The evaluators have been asked to reach the centres in three phases-8.30 AM, 9.30 AM and 10.30 AM.
Also Read: Coronavirus: Odisha Govt Issues Guidelines For HSC Matric Exam Paper Evaluators
The evaluators have been asked to use sanitizers and maintain distance from one another as per the guidelines of the health department. The school and mass education department has directed all district education officers (DEOs), block education officers (BEOs) and chief examiners to ensure that the guidelines are followed. The evaluation process will continue till April 10.
BSE President Ramasish Hajra said, “In order to avoid mass gatherings, we have asked the evaluators to come in different phases. The first group of evaluators will reach centre at 8.30 AM, second group at 9.30 AM and third group at 10.30 AM. After evaluation works, the teachers will again leave the centres in phase manner.”
“All precautionary measures have been taken in the evaluation centres. If any teacher develops any symptom, adequate care will be taken as per the protocol,” said school and mass education minister Samir Dash.
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On the other hand, Odisha Secondary School Teachers’ Association (OSSTA) has urged the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) to postpone the evaluation in view of Coronavirus situation.
OSSTA secretary Madhusudan Dey said, “As a large number of teachers will gather at one place, there are possibilities of spread of Coronavirus. Therefore, we oppose the evaluation amid such a health crisis. The government should postpone the evaluation by a couple of days or make some alternative arrangements like home evaluation.”
Read More: Odisha Matric Exam: ‘Elaborate Arrangements Made To Ensure Smooth Conduct’